ST MARCEL ACADEMY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Head of Early Years / Kindergarten (KG)

Location: Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Position: Full-time, School Leadership
Start Date: Immediate
Application Deadline: Open until filled — applications reviewed on a rolling basis

About St Marcel Academy

St Marcel Academy International School is a growing international school located in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The school offers an internationally oriented education, combining strong academic foundations, inquiry-based learning, and a commitment to the holistic development of every child.

As an International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), St Marcel Academy is committed to developing internationally minded, confident, independent, and compassionate learners.St Marcel Academy is committed to developing internationally minded, confident, independent, and compassionate learners.

Our Early Years section plays a fundamental role in this vision, providing children with a safe, stimulating, and developmentally appropriate environment in which curiosity, creativity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning can flourish.

As part of our continued growth and commitment to educational excellence, we are seeking an experienced and passionate Head of Early Years / Kindergarten to provide strong pedagogical and operational leadership across the entire section.

Position Overview

The Head of Early Years will be responsible for the overall quality, consistency, and development of teaching and learning across the Kindergarten section.

We are looking for a hands-on instructional leader, not simply an administrator, with a strong understanding of the IB PYP Early Years framework and Montessori educational philosophy, supported by substantial practical classroom and leadership experience.

The successful candidate will work closely with the PYP Coordinator and school leadership to strengthen teaching practices, support staff development, and ensure that every child benefits from a safe, engaging, and high-quality Early Years education.

Key Responsibilities

Educational and Pedagogical Leadership

• Oversee curriculum planning, implementation, and evaluation across the Early Years section.
• Promote meaningful integration of IB PYP inquiry-based learning and Montessori principles.
• Ensure developmentally appropriate, play-based and child-centred learning experiences.
• Establish consistent expectations for lesson planning, classroom organisation, assessment, and documentation of children’s learning.
• Support the development of early literacy, numeracy, communication, social-emotional skills, and independence.

Staff Leadership and Development

• Provide direct supervision, coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback to KG teachers and teaching assistants.
• Conduct regular classroom observations and support continuous improvement in teaching quality.
• Identify professional development needs and facilitate practical, classroom-focused training.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and a positive professional culture.

Child Safeguarding and Wellbeing

• Ensure the highest standards of child safeguarding, supervision, hygiene, safety, and wellbeing.
• Promote positive behaviour guidance and inclusive, respectful learning environments.
• Ensure that safeguarding policies and child-protection procedures are consistently understood and implemented.

Operational Leadership and Parent Engagement

• Oversee the effective daily functioning of the KG section.
• Maintain effective communication with parents regarding children’s learning, development, and wellbeing.
• Monitor student progress and coordinate appropriate support for individual learning needs.
• Collaborate with the PYP Coordinator to ensure a smooth transition from Kindergarten into Primary.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential Requirements

• A recognised qualification in Early Childhood Education, Education, Montessori Education, or a related field.
• At least five years of relevant Early Years teaching experience, including demonstrated leadership or coordination responsibilities.
• Strong working knowledge of the IB PYP Early Years approach, including inquiry, play-based learning, and student agency.
• Sound understanding of Montessori principles, prepared environments, practical-life activities, independence, and child-led learning.
• Proven ability to coach teachers and improve classroom practices.
• Excellent spoken and written English.
• Strong organisational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to safeguarding and child protection.

Desirable

• Formal Montessori training or certification.
• IB PYP professional development or experience in an IB World School or candidate school.
• Experience leading a multicultural Early Years team.
• French communication skills.
• Experience establishing or strengthening Early Years systems in a developing international school.

Personal Attributes

The ideal candidate will be compassionate, proactive, organised, adaptable, and solutions-oriented, with a genuine passion for young children’s development.

We particularly value professionals who lead by example, are comfortable working directly alongside teachers in classrooms, and can demonstrate measurable improvements in teaching and learning.

Child safety, professional integrity, and suitability to work with young children are non-negotiable.

What We Offer

• An opportunity to lead and shape a growing Early Years programme.
• A collaborative international school environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth and educational leadership.
• A remuneration package discussed according to experience, responsibilities, and agreed employment terms.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit:

• An updated CV.
• A brief cover letter highlighting their IB PYP and Montessori experience.
• Examples of Early Years leadership or classroom improvement initiatives.
• Contact details for at least two professional referees, including a recent supervisor.
• Their earliest possible starting date.

Send applications to: info@stmarcel.net

Email subject: Application – Head of Early Years / KG

START DATE: IMMEDIATE

Applications will be considered as they are received, and shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews and practical assessments without waiting for a closing date.

Safeguarding Statement

St Marcel Academy International School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants will be subject to appropriate reference checks, background verification, and safer recruitment procedures before appointment.

St Marcel Academy International School

Inspiring Learners. Building Futures.